Ethan Nwaneri handed Arsenal boost ahead of Nottingham Forest despite latest injury concerns

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Arsenal must bounce back from their defeat to West Ham immediately as another Premier League challenge awaits.

Mikel Arteta was unimpressed by Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham, as the Gunners fell short to a first-half Jarrod Bowen match-winner at the Emirates.

Things weren’t eased by Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, seeing the teenager collect a one-match ban to rule him out of the clash with Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal travel to the City Ground to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on Wednesday night, leaving Arteta with a decision to make at left-back.

• READ MORE: Why Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in Arsenal vs West Ham

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card is good news for Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal will be without Lewis-Skelly for Forest but, it’s not all bad news despite the added pressure it puts on Arteta’s selection dilemmas.

Already, the Arsenal manager has to contend with a wave of injuries but, in defence, one switch looks clear for all to see following the defeat to West Ham.

Starting at left-back, Riccardo Calafiori was shown up against West Ham, which could impact the Italian’s claim to the starting XI against Forest, who are notoriously tricky in the wide areas.

Calafiori’s struggles could pave the way for Jurrien Timber to return to his favoured left-back role and see the long-overdue return of Ben White to the starting lineup.

The Englishman’s presence at right-back could be a significant boost for Arsenal and most notably, Ethan Nwaneri, who would benefit from some assistance on that side.

White and Bukayo Saka combine incredibly well as the defender understands how to overlap effectively and offer support going forward.

Timber has strengths in other areas but, is utilised in an inverted role most prominently, seeing the Dutchman rarely offer overlapping support, which was noticeable against West Ham.

Nwaneri’s game could be taken to another level by having White’s expert approach behind him but, whether the 17-year-old will be fit to play is another question.

Fans were concerned as Nwaneri limped off against West Ham but were relieved as Arteta put the youngster’s injury down to fatigue, with all eyes on the lineup at the City Ground.

Ben White offers more going forward than Jurrien Timber

Timber is a player that every team wants but, the Dutchman’s profile is better suited on the left, as seen earlier in the season. 

The defender did a stellar job covering on the right during White’s injury but now, the former Ajax star must return to his favoured role.

The impact of such is clear to see, as what White can offer to a winger like Nwaneri on the right is vital right now, as Arsenal are low on bodies and inspiration in attack.

By returning the Englishman to the starting XI against Forest, Arteta can offer Nwaneri more stability on the flank, which in turn, could be the answer to Arsenal’s attacking frailties.